Wright was asked a question at his most recent Final Four in New Orleans a few weeks ago about if he could envision himself in Mike Krzyzewski’s shoes, coaching with the knowledge that his storied career is drawing to a close. He made an unexpected statement that seemed out of character for someone who was a decade younger than some of his colleagues and appeared to be two.
“I would be lying if I said I didn’t — you consider it each year,” Wright explained. “You consider where your life is heading and what you’re going to do. It’s tough to contemplate.” Krzyzewski was 75 years old when he coached his final game for Duke, just hours after Wright finished his tenure at Villanova. Roy Williams was 70 years old when he determined that the COVID-affected 2020-21 season would suffice. Wright’s choice is unique. Wright, who was born on Christmas Eve 1961, is now in his sixties.
Each has amassed the kind of fortune that only lottery winners and NFL broadcasters can fathom, and each is still young enough to contemplate the freedom that comes with wealth rather than laboring endlessly to gain another few million.
While the Name/Image/Likeness revolution and quick transfer eligibility for college basketball players have transformed and maybe increased the burden of a head coach in this realm, let us not pretend the hours have ever corresponded with sanity.
